Former mayor Greg Dionne returns to Gateway Mall to lead leasing efforts

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Before serving as mayor from 2012 to 2024, Dionne spent decades working in commercial retail. That included a previous stint as general manager of Gateway Mall more than 30 years ago.

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According to the company, the roughly 400,000-square-foot property reached full occupancy during Dionne’s earlier tenure.

“Gateway Mall is a vital economic engine for Prince Albert and the surrounding region,” Louai Alrifai, CEO of Alrifai Real Estate/RRR3 Corporation, said in a news release.

“Greg Dionne brings an extraordinary combination of deep commercial retail expertise, local relationships, and an unyielding commitment to this community. Having the leader who originally ran Gateway Mall at full occupancy now returning to head our leasing efforts marks a new era of growth for the property.”

Dionne said the challenge of helping revive the mall appealed to him.

“I think the mall can come back. I think there’s great opportunity here,” he said.

One possibility Dionne intends to explore is bringing a smaller grocery store to the downtown.

“I believe there’s an opportunity for a mini grocery store,” he said. “I don’t think you need a full-fledged one, but I do believe there’s an opportunity. So we’re gonna put some feelers out to see what we think of that.”

The mall currently has several retail spaces and leasing opportunities available. (Image Credit: The Gateway Mall/Facebook)

According to the company, Dionne will oversee tenant recruitment, local business partnerships and expansion initiatives. The new ownership group said it is looking to attract a mixture of local retailers, national franchises, medical clinics and food service businesses.

Dionne acknowledged retail businesses experience difficult periods but said struggling properties should not be dismissed.

“Business, especially in retail, go up and down. It goes in phases,” he said. “So you never write off anything.”

Gateway Mall’s current tenants include Dollarama, The Brick, Urban Planet and a number of locally owned businesses and service providers.

The mall’s ownership said capital improvements are underway, although the release did not provide details about the work or identify any incoming tenants.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com